Expulsions Put Private Schools in a New Light

Regarding the article “Students Dismissed Over Sins of Parents” (July 30): If and when the voucher system of education becomes a reality, one would have to question the role of private education as it deals with the health and safety of children, policy, parental input and the basic right to give an opinion--even if it differs from the administration.

To quote Lynne Browning (diocese attorney): “This is not a public school. This is a private school, private property, private personnel. It seems as though the parents’ group wanted some control or some voice in the personnel assigned to St. Joseph, which is not appropriate.”

Take heed, voucher supporters. You will not get a say in your child’s education by expressing your views to teachers, administrators and by voting for your board of education. As a parent you may see a health problem, an inequity or problem in the programs of special education, GATE, or you may question a method of teaching, an expenditure, a school program, a dismissal of a teacher or a principal, etc. One may not like or agree with a decision or policy, but in public education, one has the right to voice his/her unhappiness without fear of recrimination.

Public education is for everyone, not just the “chosen few” a voucher system would educate.

ROSALIE A. MERSHON, Orange